Weight Gain and Joint Pains: Do They Go Hand in Hand?

Akron OH

28 January, 2022

3:19 AM

Description

If you are on the heavier side, chances are that you have had to deal with increased joint pains. You might also be having trouble fitting into the clothes that fit you like a dream last summer. Being overweight can be tough - it can make us feel sluggish, tired, and moody. But did you know that it can even affect our bones? Read on as we explore how weight gain can contribute to joint pain. Joint Pain According to statistics, approximately 10 percent of people who are obese experience some form of arthritis or gout at some point in their lives. Research studies have shown that carrying excess weight over long periods results in inflammation of the joints due to the increased pressure on them. This is known as 'osteoarthritis', and it affects the knees, hips, and hands in particular. There is also another type of arthritis called gout which happens when excess uric acid crystals accumulate in the joints, rendering them stiff and swollen. Fat Tissue We know that our body mass is made up of fat tissue, bones, organs such as lungs and liver, muscles, etc. The total weight of this tissue is what we term as our body weight. However, if you have a lot more fat than muscle then your weight may be high but it will not contribute to strength and mobility except for making you look bulky or flabby! It has been found that an increased amount of fat in your body can lead to a decrease in muscle strength and even bone mineral density. This is because muscles require more calories compared to bones or fat tissue, thus, if there are too many fats for the muscle mass then it results in loss of muscle tone as well as poor bone health. What are some of the most common types of joint pain associated with weight gain? Osteoarthritis Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that is caused by the breakdown of cartilage in the joints. Cartilage is the tissue that lines and cushions the joints. When this tissue breaks down, it can cause pain, inflammation, and stiffness in the joint. Osteoarthritis is most commonly seen in people who are obese or have been obese for a long time. This is because excess weight puts more pressure on the joints, which can lead to the breakdown of cartilage and other joint problems. Gout Gout is a type of arthritis that is caused by the increase of uric acid crystals in the joints. When there is too much uric acid in the body, it can form crystals in the joints and this can lead to pain, inflammation, and stiffness. Being overweight puts more pressure on the joints and increases your risk of developing gout. Are there any treatments available for preventing or reducing joint pain caused by weight gain? Anti-inflammatory medications can help control or relieve joint pain, which would be prescribed if osteoarthritis was the cause of the joint pain. These medicines work by reducing inflammation in the joints through medication rather than through naturally fighting inflammation like gout medication does. Glucosamine supplementation may also be considered when it is determined that osteoarthritis is causing joint pains. This supplement has been found to reduce cartilage deterioration after trying other treatments that did not work well enough or did not sufficiently manage symptoms. If you have tried all types of treatment and none helped with your joint pain then getting joint replacement surgery may be the only option left. Dieting and exercising is still the natural way to reduce pain caused by weight gain. Exercising is also great for improving cardiovascular health which reduces the chances of developing osteoarthritis in old age or having a heart attack due to blocked arteries in young adults. Loss of muscle tone causes problems in all sorts of ways but building muscles through resistance training exercises strengthens muscles which help to improve their ability to hold up our bones, thus reducing and preventing the pain associated with the bones having to do all of the work. Follow the golden rule - eat right and exercise regularly, but don't overdo things! Yes, losing weight is important to get rid of your joint pains but it is also important that you do not lose too much weight in the process. Remember that being overweight does not just give you a bad body image, it causes serious problems for your body as well! Our highly trained professionals at Advanced Spine Joint and Wellness can help you achieve your weight goal and many more. Call us today at (330) 721-6504 and schedule your free weight loss consultation today! Advanced Spine Joint & Wellness 5020 Victor Drive Medina, OH 44256 (330) 721-6504